The IRC has a long history and great track record of providing life-saving support to refugees and disaster victims around the world -- food, shelter, medical care, counseling, relocation assistance.

It is less well known than many better-funded charities because little of its budget goes to costly advertising campaigns. Instead, most of what they raise goes directly to programs. This only makes me support them more. Well worth your donation dollars.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

After medical school, my brother-in-law was sent to help in Cambodian refigee camps. That's when I learned just how extensive the IRC's support services really are. They do a lot more than just put up tents and deliver food.

IRC is *the go-to place for donations; they get the work done and use the funds well... my sister, who works for International health, highly recommends them; they are reliable and efficient, for the right reasons.

It's such a boon to know an agency that is truly on the up-and-up in its service to people in need and in the way it handles resources. In the flood of junk-mail hustles, the familiar logo of IRC stands out as a place I can put my oar in where it will do some good.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I am fortunate in not having needed the IRC's services.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I simply wish them continued success and hope that they can reach more of the people who need them.

I have had the unique experience of seeing the IRC at work in the field when I visited a Rwandan refugee camp near the borders of Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania back in late 1994. At the time, it was probably the largest refugee camp in the world. I had already been a donor prior to that; but after that visit I was an absolutely convinced donor for the rest of my life. I was very much impressed with the dedication and expertise of the IRC staff there. IRC works in so many areas of the world where others would not dare to go, and it also does a great job of resettling refugees in the U.S. When disasters strike, IRC is often one of the first to spring into action because they are so often already there with years of on the ground experience. They use a very high percentage of each of my donations for program and services, and I like that. I am an experienced donor, and I know an effective charity when I see it. IRC is an extremely effective charity.

IRC is one of the charities that I give to consistently, year in and year out. I've lived and worked with a number of refugees here in the United States, so I know from their stories just how important IRC is. I also appreciate that IRC keeps expenses low so more money can go to direct services.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Minneapolis, where I've known and worked with refugees from throughout the world. IRC has been instrumental in helping them get on with their lives.

I hear from others in the nonprofit international relief world that contributing to IRC is the best way to insure that your money goes to help people in need. Also, I have recently learned, from an IRC staff member, what IRC is doing in my own state to combat human trafficking. I am very pleased with what I know about how they operate and with the communications they send to contributors.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Seattle, learning about what IRC does here and elsewhere in Washington state to help refugees and combat human trafficking.

It resonates with me that the IRC was founded in 1933 at the suggestion of Albert Einstein, and their first work was to help those oppressed by Hitler. Their work is inspiring, the difficulties faced by those who need their aid heartbreaking.
My hope is that more people will be moved to give to the IRC, because so many in the world need their assistance.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I have not personally seen the IRC at work in Sudan or other places.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Communicate more effectively with people who would like to volunteer. I wanted to help an immigrant family but was never contacted.

I have contributed to the IRC for seven years after receiving a mailing from the organization. I read the material and was impressed that the administrative costs were kept low and their field work was impressive.

This year I received a personal phone call from a woman who was a refuge from the middle east and was able to settle in the US thanks to the IRC. A very nice personal touch.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

My only personal experience with the results of the organization was the phone call I received from a woman who was able to settle in the US thanks to the IRC.